Bullying is a crime

November 12, 2013

I utterly disagree with the editorial “Bullying is cruel, but a crime?” (Oct. 19). Bullying is a violation of human rights and is criminal, especially in cases when suicide is a result. I had a cousin who was bullied in two different high schools and online. As a result, Cynthia committed suicide on February 25, 2013.

She and her mother went through the proper channels, her school and law enforcement, but these attempts did not help. I understand that we have freedom of speech but we also have cases of slander, defamation of character and hate crimes. These bullies must be held accountable with a form of criminal punishment. Perhaps the bullies might re-think their cruel intentions and perhaps Cynthia might be here today if her bullies were initially arrested.